Under the microscope

HOUSE Of Cards author Michael Dobbs, 68, answers our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

OH YES. I can walk up to 20 miles in a day. If I have a problem I have to work out — a plot or theme — I find a long walk brilliant. I used to run a lot, but my knees won’t take that any more.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

IT DEPENDS if the kids are home. My wife, Rachel, and I have four sons between us, two still in education. If they’re at home it seems to be a diet of relentless calories: pizza, biscuits, cake, bread, more bread. They approach the fridge in the same way the Vikings approached the East Coast of England.

EVER DIETED?

FOR 20 years ‘losing weight’ has been listed as my hobby in Who’s Who. Last year I did a big charity walk and found the training and the walk excellent for losing weight and I haven’t put it back on. I am 6ft 2in and I weigh 15st. At my worst I was 16½st.

ANY VICES?

COMING from seven generations of people who worked in the brewing industry, I love good beer.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

I’VE not really had a lot of pain. Right now I have a sore side. I fell in the garden trying to save two gin and tonics from disaster.

HAD ANYTHING REMOVED?

NO. THE only operation I’ve had was in 1986 when I broke my elbow skiing in Switzerland. I’m a rubbish skier.

WORST INJURY?

I’M SAD that my knees are no longer capable of taking me running. I stopped about five years ago when it started straining them. I did a half marathon in Chipping Sodbury and after 11 miles, the St John Ambulance stopped and offered me a lift.

TRIED ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE?

I’VE had some Reiki, a spiritual healing session. The jury is out on that one. I also tried some Chinese medicine. Just a general check-up and maintenance — part of research for a book.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

THERE were awful times when my first marriage was breaking up 20 years ago, but that was more unhappiness than depression. Most writers are strange. We spend a lot time wandering around inside our minds and emotions. I give the impression of being a very jolly sort and very often I am.

HANGOVER CURE?

I DON’T often get hangovers. Those seven generations of brewers have stood me in good stead.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

MY MIND whirring — working out plots and the excitement of getting on with something new.

BIGGEST PHOBIA?

HEIGHTS. Take me to the top of a tall building and get me to look down and my legs turn to jelly.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

NO, BUT I am a strong believer in assisted dying. When the time has come and you have had enough I think you have the right to bring your life to an end. But I’m in no hurry. There is so much more I want to do. A new season of House Of Cards will be out on netflix next spring.